Reviving an Ancient Tradition: The Rediscovered Craft of Penning Letters

Reviving an Ancient Tradition: The Rediscovered Craft of Penning Letters

In ancient times, communication through letters was a vital means of contact, expressing simple messages, important news, and personal sentiments. This tradition is beautifully illustrated in the Roman tale, where an unusual delivery of a love message – a message conveyed through an apple – underscores the importance of the message itself. A scene from "Heroides" by Ovid, depicted in the work "Cydippe with the Apple of Acontius" by Paulus Bor, showcases this unique delivery method.

The Great Age of Letter Writing occurred during the 18th century, a time when the language of letters was much more formal than it is today. Writing lessons were incorporated into education for both men and women, focusing on formal writing and cursive. The American Philosophical Society even referred to the manual "The Art of Letter-Writing" for guidelines on how to address persons of distinction.

As we move through history, the art of letter writing has had its own journey, revealed in the changes of usage. During the Westward Expansion, letters provided valuable insights into the average life of an American during the time and the difficulties people may have faced. In the midst of World War II, letters became a vital part of communication, helping soldiers maintain personal relationships despite being thousands of miles away.

However, with technological advancements, the convenience of emailing and text-messaging has led to the art of letter writing becoming less common. Yet, in recent times, there has been a resurgence in the practice. This revival reflects a growing desire for deeper, more meaningful communication compared to the often impersonal and fleeting nature of digital messaging.

Handwritten letters and notes are seen as intentional acts of care and personal attention, which create a stronger emotional connection because they require time, effort, and calm reflection away from digital distractions. Morium Khan values handwritten cards due to the effort and time spent on them, considering them more meaningful than text messages. Tashfia Khan from DeWitt Clinton High School shares this sentiment, preferring handwritten cards over digital messages because they take more time and effort.

The value of a handwritten letter comes from the effort put into making it, rather than the specific design or creativity. Crafting a letter with creative images, designs, and details can show love that words cannot, making the message more meaningful. The ability to convey emotion and show presence is what keeps letter writing alive today.

Addressing someone in a letter played a significant role in how the message was perceived, with specific rules that must be followed. In modern days, these rules have become less strict, with less effort put into following them as we've switched to typing.

The tactile nature of physical letters and notes also sets them apart. They can be held, reread, and kept for years, thus sustaining a lasting sentimental impact. This quality makes them stand out, especially in professional contexts like B2B marketing, where direct mail and handwritten notes yield higher engagement and response rates than digital communication.

In summary, the resurgence of letter writing today holds significance as an expression of personal attention, mindfulness, and deliberate connection that digital messaging generally lacks. It reclaims time, reflection, and a tangible presence as valuable forms of communication in an increasingly instantaneous and impersonal digital culture.

The first handwritten letter is recorded by ancient historian Hellanicus, written by Persian Queen Atossa around 500 BCE. This tradition, though influenced by time and technology, continues to hold a special place in our hearts and lives.

[1] The New York Times, "The Art of the Handwritten Letter," 2019. [2] The Atlantic, "The Intimacy of Handwriting," 2016. [3] Smithsonian Magazine, "The Lost Art of Letter Writing," 2015. [4] Forbes, "The Power of Handwritten Notes in Business," 2018.

1. In the realm of history and culture, the art of letter writing has a profound history, starting with the ancient times, as evidenced in the Roman tale of an apple symbolizing a love message.
2. During the Great Age of Letter Writing in the 18th century, formal education emphasized the importance of writing lessons, focusing on formal writing and cursive for both men and women.
3. Moving through history, letter writing played significant roles in various periods, such as the Westward Expansion, World War II, and the digital age, showcasing its adaptability and resilience.
4. Nevertheless, the convenience of digital messaging has led to a decline in the practice of handwritten letter writing, but a recent resurgence in its popularity signifies a growing need for deeper, more meaningful communication.
5. Education and self-development resources, like articles from The New York Times, The Atlantic, Smithsonian Magazine, and Forbes, highlight the value of handwritten letters in both personal and professional contexts.

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